Obscure Planes You've Never Heard of

Here’s a brief collection of obscure pusher-design aircraft you’ve probably never heard of.

Cirrus VK-30
00:05
In the 1980s, Wisconsin students Alan & Dale Klapmeier and Jeff Viken aimed to create a top-tier kitplane. Dale's NASA background influenced the wing design while Jeff’s wife Sally crafted the Fowler flaps. Prioritizing low drag and efficiency, the Cirrus VK-30 emerged in a Wisconsin barn. It incorporated parts from existing aircraft, like gear from a Piper Cherokee. Introduced at Oshkosh Airventure in 1987, the spacious 5-seater VK-30 was unmatched in its size and capabilities, boasting 215 knots speed and 1,300-mile range. Of the 40 VK-30 kits sold, only 13 were completed due to their complexity. Many crashed, with few still flying. While commercially unsuccessful, the VK-30 paved the way for the best-selling aviation aircraft in recent decades and inspired the Cirrus-jet.

Grinvalds Orion
2:54
The Grinvalds Orion, a French kitbuilt aircraft introduced in 1981, boasted unique features like 4-seats, a pusher prop, and an all-glass structure, offering pilots an expansive side view. While similar aircraft like the Prescott Pusher and Cirrus VK-30 emerged nearly a decade later, the Orion stood out for its elegance. The central-mounted Lycoming IO-360 ensured stability, but the engine-propeller distance resulted in a complex drive system, causing most building challenges. Originally designed for two passengers with a 65hp Continental, the production model seated four with a 180 HP Lycoming IO-360. After the designer's tragic death in 1985 due to a propshaft failure, many orders were canceled. However, several Orions were constructed, with a few still operational in Europe, including a turboprop version.

Prescott Pusher
5:15
The Prescott Pusher is a notable experimental aircraft. Developed by Sikorsky, Piper, and Learjet engineer Tom Prescott in 1985, it used cutting-edge CAD/CAM software. Its launch at Oshkosh garnered massive attention, featuring in 10 aviation publications for its innovative design and modular construction. However, once tested, its allure waned. It was bulky, had insufficient power at 180HP, and design flaws like a low stance and awkward landing gear placement led to challenging takeoffs and high stall speeds. Many labeled it unsuitable for regular pilots. Within three years, amidst negative feedback, the company shuttered. While some kits sold, owners had to make continuous modifications, yet even modified versions remained impractical for multiple passengers.


Angel 44
7:36
Designed by missionary bush pilot Carl Mortensen, the Angel 44 followed his earlier Evangel 4500, a boxy STOL craft. While the Evangel resembled a tin can, the Angel mirrored a Piaggio Avanti bush plane. It had twin pusher Lycoming IO-540s with wheel shields to protect props from debris. Its aerodynamic fuselage aimed to boost cruise speed, and its tail resembled an enlarged Cessna 402. Distinguishing features include its thick, swept wings and large tires. The Angel, IFR-certified, carried a 1,920 lb load at 175 knots and withstood up to 20 g's. Designed in 1972, it achieved FAA certification in the early 90s after 11,000 hours of work. Only four were produced, and though acquired by a Chinese firm, no recent production updates exist.

Grob GF-200
9:30
After identifying a market gap for 4 to 6 passenger aircraft, Grob introduced the 4-seater GF-200 in 1983. Initial designs utilized a 270 hp Lycoming engine and composite prop, causing certification delays due to the unfamiliar composite airframe. With German government funding, it received certification in the early 90s. Originally planned with a Porsche engine for a 225-knot cruise, budget constraints led to using Lycoming and then Continental engines. While the prototype showcased its exterior design, it lacked interior amenities and displayed troubling slow-speed flight characteristics. Running out of funds and failing to attract buyers, Grob halted the project. The sole GF-200 now resides in Munich's Deutsches Museum.



I don't own these clips. All rights are reserved to their respective owners, and used with prior approval. Creative common videos are also utilized. If your clip is included and you'd like it removed, please email me, and we'll address the matter right away. [email protected]

Video Sources:

   • [4K] Cirrus SR22T Landing, Startup, T...  
   • Inside Cirrus Aircraft's G2 Vision Je...  
   • Allison Turbine Powered VK-30 - Test ...  
   • Cirrus Model VK 30 w Intro Exit small...  
   • Edgley EA7 Optica - three seat touris...  
   • ORION G 801- Flight of June,21,2016  
   • Orion G802  
   • N40LE Prescott Pusher taxi at AirVent...  
   • Prescott Pusher Turbine  
   • Prescott Pusher II Marketing Video DVD  
   • Arrival of the Angel Airplane at West...  
   • Warsaw Airport Chopin taxiing, take-o...